Microsoft OCS, is an enterprise real-time communications server, providing the infrastructure for enterprise instant messaging, presence, file transfer, peer-to-peer and multiparty Voice and Video calling, ad hoc and structured conferences (audio, video and web) and PSTN connectivity^. These features are available within an organization, between organizations, and with external users on the public internet, or standard phones, on the PSTN as well as SIP trunking.

In February 2009 Microsoft released the R2 version of the server which runs solely on 64-bit platforms and is more scalable. R2 adds new features such as Group Chat and Attendant Console. Some of the roles of OCS are supported in virtualized environment.

Office Communications Server, along with its family of clients and devices, combines enterprise-ready instant messaging, presence, conferencing, and Voice over IP telephony in a fully integrated unified communications solution.

Microsoft Office Communications Server (OCS) 2007 is the battle horse of Microsoft in the VoIP arena. It is an enterprise communications tool that provides a series of integrated tools for unified communications. Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 focuses mainly on instant messaging, presence monitoring, application sharing, file transfer, and voice and video communication; aiming at enhancing collaboration with enterprises.

OCS Features

Microsoft OCS carries the same features that characterize a normal IP PBX. There are however a few unique enhancements, especially with call management. For example, you can grade calls according to their importance; or have a context-sensitive presence and availability experience. This means you can click to call or contact people in other ways, in MS Office applications, MS Outlook 2007, or anywhere names or numbers appear within Microsoft applications that integrate to OCS 2007.

How it Works

Phone call management is done in your PC, instead of a PBX. Calls are routed to their destinations through your computer, or an IP phone. The PC is the base for software-based communications, and OCS allows instant messaging, email, and voice calls on the click. switching between these types of communications is done as easily. Integration in OCS has made voice calls and conferencing easier, with the possibility to click-to-call and call from any program or file. Microsoft RoundTable, as it name suggests, is the product's element that hosts round-table meetings.